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Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

(continued)

Results

A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen in the blood.

The normal values listed here-called a reference range-are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what’s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.

Normal

Because normal PSA levels seem to increase with age, age-specific ranges may be used. But the use of age-specific ranges is controversial, and some doctors prefer to use one range for all ages. For this reason, it is important to discuss your test results with your doctor.

**Total prostate-specific antigen (PSA)**
Men age 40-49:	0-2.5 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL)	0-2.5 micrograms per liter (mcg/L)
Men age 50-59:	0-3.5 ng/mL	0-3.5 mcg/L
Men age 60-69:	0-4.5 ng/mL	0-4.5 mcg/L
Men 70-79:	0-6.5 ng/mL	0-6.5 mcg/L

High values

High levels do not always mean prostate cancer is present. PSA levels may be high if the prostate gland is enlarged (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) or inflamed (prostatitis).
PSA levels above 8.0 ng/mL (or 8.0 mcg/L) may mean prostate cancer. A transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and prostate biopsy are needed to confirm a diagnosis of cancer.

A follow-up test that measures free prostate-specific antigen (free PSA) may be used to see if a prostate biopsy should be done to check for cancer. Free PSA is prostate-specific antigen that is not attached to proteins in the blood. The lower a man's free PSA level, the more likely he is to develop prostate cancer.

**Free prostate-specific antigen (fPSA)**
Percent free PSA	Probability of cancer
More than 25%:	8%
20%-25%:	16%
15%-20%:	20%
10%-15%:	28%
0%-10%:	56%

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

Recent sexual activity (ejaculation).
Recent use of a tube (catheter) to drain urine or a cystoscopy.
Recent urinary tract infection (UTI) or prostatitis.
Recent digital rectal exam, prostate biopsy, or prostate surgery.
Large doses of medicines, such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and methotrexate for cancer treatment.
The medicines finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart), which are used to prevent further enlargement of the prostate gland in men with BPH.

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 31, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.